If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that cooks in one skillet, look no further than the Hamburger Hash!
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you want a one pan ground meat and potato skillet that feels like a real treat.
Did you know that the word “hash” comes from the French verb hacher, meaning “to chop”? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a cheesy beef dinner that rivals a favorite like cheesy beef taco pasta.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
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Ingredients for Hamburger Hash
To create the perfect hamburger hash, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10 or leaner works best for a less greasy hash
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for crisping the potatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded for the smoothest melt
Optional Ingredients
- Toppings sour cream, chopped fresh chives, or a drizzle of hot sauce
- Vegetables diced green bell pepper added with the onion
- Egg a fried egg set on top of each serving
How to Prepare the Hash
Here’s how to make it:
- Crisp the Potatoes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced potatoes in an even layer, and cover for 8 minutes. Uncover, stir, and cook for 7 to 8 more minutes until golden and fork-tender, then transfer them to a plate.
- Brown the Beef: Reduce the heat to medium, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains, then drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Soften the Onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Return the potatoes to the skillet, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and stir for 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Assembly: Bringing It All Together
Once your hash is seasoned and hot, it’s time to add the cheese and finish your dish!
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the hash, and cover for 2 to 3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Rest Briefly: Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit for 1 minute so the cheese sets slightly.
- Serve Hot: Scoop the hash onto plates and add your favorite optional toppings while it’s still warm.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about hamburger hash is its versatility!
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of baby spinach during the final seasoning step.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the beef for ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage, adding an extra splash of oil if the meat is very lean.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use pepper jack in place of the cheddar.
- Breakfast Twist: Top each serving with a runny fried egg and a sprinkle of green onions for a hearty morning meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hash with a slice of homemade cornbread to soak up the cheesy, seasoned juices.
For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp lemonade balances the savory richness beautifully.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a satisfying hamburger hash that is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s a reliable weeknight dinner, and it also works well for lunches the next day.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and ingredients, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well, but add a tablespoon of oil to the pan because it is leaner and can stick more easily.
What should I serve with hamburger hash?
Cornbread, a simple green salad, or sliced tomatoes all pair nicely with the savory beef and potatoes.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
Hamburger Hash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Hamburger Hash features savory lean ground beef, crispy diced potatoes, sweet onion, and garlic seasoned with Italian seasoning and finished with melted sharp cheddar.
This one-skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, and it also makes a satisfying lunch or breakfast the next day.
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef, 90/10 or leaner works best for a less greasy hash
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for crisping the potatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic, about 2 cloves
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for the smoothest melt
Instructions
- Crisp the Potatoes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced potatoes in an even layer, and cover for 8 minutes. Uncover, stir, and cook for 7 to 8 more minutes until golden and fork-tender, then transfer them to a plate.
- Brown the Beef: Reduce the heat to medium, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains, then drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Soften the Onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Return the potatoes to the skillet, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and stir for 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the hash, and cover for 2 to 3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Rest Briefly: Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit for 1 minute so the cheese sets slightly.
- Serve Hot: Scoop the hash onto plates and add your favorite optional toppings while it's still warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
